Open Investigation

By: Melanie Perkins McLaughlin
  • Summary

  • Open Investigation, an investigative true crime podcast about unsolved cases of missing and murdered children; a follow-up to the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary, "Have You Seen Andy?", hosted by Melanie Perkins McLaughlin.

    Follow the show:
    Instagram.com/OpenInvestigation
    Facebook.com/OpenInvestigationPod

    © 2024 Open Investigation | Project Productions LLC
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Episodes
  • The Other Boston Sex Scandal
    Sep 24 2024

    The Other Boston Sex Scandal - Ep 3

    What if the institutions you trust to protect the vulnerable were instead their worst predators? Join us on a harrowing journey through the Boston Sex Scandal of the 1970s, where systemic failures and nefarious networks allowed the exploitation and trafficking of children to flourish. We'll uncover the tragic story of Dick Bavley a social worker who betrayed his duty to protect, and explore John Mitzel's pro-pedophile book, "The Boston Sex Scandal," which reveals how the man/boy love movement attempted to attach itself to the legitimate gay rights movement.

    Unearth the dark origins of the Revere boy sex ring and expose the involvement of influential figures like Father Paul Shanley and millionaire Roger Spear. Through firsthand accounts and detailed investigations, we shed light on the hidden network of abuse that permeated Boston during that era. Our episode underscores the importance of reporting child sex abuse and provides the National Sex Abuse Hotline for those in need, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and supported.

    We wrap up by examining the broader implications of these sordid revelations, highlighting the systemic failures and cover-ups that protected perpetrators. Hear the courageous story of John Sweeney, a survivor who shares his painful experiences, and learn about the unsolved cases of missing and murdered children linked to these dark networks. By supporting our podcast through Patreon, you help us continue to raise awareness and seek justice for the survivors. This episode is a solemn tribute to those who have come forward and a reminder to all survivors that they are not alone.

    National Sexual Assault Hotline
    Ex-Students File Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Newton Boarding School
    Unholy Communion. Vanity Fair Article on Fr. Paul Shanley
    Bishop Accountability - Database Tracking Clergy Abuse


    Text the show

    Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

    Follow:
    @openinvestigation

    Support:
    Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Pandora's Box
    Sep 17 2024

    Pandora's Box: Episode 2


    As she begins researching suspects in Andy’s disappearance Melanie learns the main suspect, Wayne W. Chapman confessed to another boy’s murder! We explore the story of 6-year-old David Louison who was abducted in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1974 and whose remains were recovered in 1980. We learn the similarities between Andy’s and David’s cases. Both boys had a young child who witnessed their abduction. A child who tried to tell adults what they had seen but were initially dismissed. The search for both boys was called off prematurely based on advice from local law enforcement. We hear the effects of trauma directly from an archival interview with David’s parents, Mel and Naomi Louison.


    As Melanie learns about David she realizes Andy’s case is not an anomaly. She finds other cases of missing boys that resemble Andy’s like Leigh Savoie who disappeared from Revere, MA in 1974 and has never been found. And Jimmy Teta who was from Revere, MA and whose remains were found on a roadside in NH. Jimmy, Andy, Leigh and David have similarities in their cases. Another boy, Cliff Pisano is abducted around the same time as Leigh from the same location but survives to have his story told and his abductor incarcerated.


    Melanie begins using data to tell a story. She researches missing and murdered children’s cases from the 1970s and begins building the first of its kind database documenting the cases. She brings the cases to the attention of District Attorneys, the Attorney General, local law enforcement, the FBI and the United States Attorney. Some of the cases, like Jimmy Teta’s, are reopened after decades of inactivity.

    This episode signifies the turning point in the story when Melanie realizes Andy is not the only child missing in MA, that there are dozens of others some of whom, like Denise Cochrane, weren’t even counted in the state’s data.

    Next time on Open Investigation: The Other Boston Sex Scandal, Episode 3
    follow the investigation as we reveal a child trafficking ring in MA in the 1970s that includes doctors, teachers and millionaires.


    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
    Now You See Suffolk Campaign
    Mass State Police Unresolved Case Unit
    Timeline of Events in this episode

    Text the show

    Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

    Follow:
    @openinvestigation

    Support:
    Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation

    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Return To Andy
    Sep 10 2024

    Return to Andy: An Update to the Disappearance of Andy Puglisi Ep 1

    We return to the investigation into the disappearance of Andy Puglisi a decade after the HBO documentary, Have You Seen Andy?, was released. This episode is structured around intimate conversations between Melanie and Andy’s mother, Faith, as they review information they realize is relevant now but may not have back when the documentary was broadcast.

    Melanie uncovers new information as she picks up the investigation. The first question she asks is who were the “five known pedophiles” at the pool when Andy was abducted? She believes Andy may have been stalked before he was abducted, possibly for child pornography aka CSAM. She explores Wayne W. Chapman’s penchant for expensive camera equipment and hears from a witness who observed Chapman’s dark room. She reveals never before published audio of Wayne W. Chapman’s police interrogation. We learn how the advent of digital media allowed Melanie to uncover new evidence in the complicity of Wayne W. Chapman in the abduction of Andy Puglisi. We also hear from one of Chapman’s victims who realizes serendipity likely saved his life.

    The episode culminates in Melanie sharing details of other known sex offenders in Lawrence at the time Andy vanished.

    Wayne W. Chapman died in October of 2021. He continued to deny any involvement in the disappearance of Andy Puglisi.

    Show Links
    Have You Seen Andy website with timeline
    Wayne W. Chapman About to Be Released is Arrested Again
    Wayne W. Chapman To Be Released
    Wayne W. Chapman Placed Near Andy’s Childhood friend, Melanie McLaughlin
    Wayne W. Chapman Dies
    Database of Accused Priests

    Text the show

    Based on the HBO Emmy award-winning documentary "Have You Seen Andy?" - haveyouseenandy.com | @haveyouseenandy

    Follow:
    @openinvestigation

    Support:
    Patreon.com/OpenInvestigation

    Show more Show less
    45 mins

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Top tier content

Great content and superb delivery. This impetus of the story is very organic which sets a gritty, no-nonsense tone. This podcast has a purpose.

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